The '02 Dodge Ram:
Stylish Sheetmetal, Major Suspension Changes Highlight the Second Generation of DaimlerChrysler's Big, Bad Hauler
You have to admire the bold attitude of DaimlerChrysler's Dodge division. The official Dodge press materials, describing the '02 Ram, made mention of the Ram's past - and present - appearance by referring to its Love It/Hate It styling, stating that the Ram will "continue to be bold, and make the market follow."
Whatever you think of the big Ram's new look, you will agree it is distinctive and impossible to miss, on or off road. Building on a successful following for the '94-'01 Ram, DaimlerChrysler identified several key goals for the '02 Ram, including keeping the same basic formula as the previous Ram and not simply making a copy; to take risks with the Ram's styling and proportions; to give Ram owners more reasons to drive their trucks more often; to offer potential Ram buyers features and models they didn't know they wanted; to strive for improvement in every segment of the new truck, and to never design a component or feature "...because that's how we did it on the previous Ram."
Changes in appearance abound on the '02 Ram. Its bold new exterior sheetmetal is more stylish and more aerodynamic than on previous Ram trucks. Incredibly, the Ram's signature grille, already a dominant point on the truck's nose, is even larger for 2002. Ram SLT models get a gray honeycomb grille insert with a chromed shell; Sport models are equipped with a body-colored grille split by a chromed billet center bar. The windshield is raked rearward more than the '01 Ram. Four circular headlights are said to provide a brighter light than previous Rams.
Interestingly, Dodge shortened the cargo box and lengthened the cab - 3 inches in each case. The bed's length is what Dodge designers consider optimal - it has a 6-foot, 3-inch overall length and can still handle a full payload. The additional length given to the Ram's cab means there are 3 more inches of rearward seat travel, and that makes the standard-cab Ram a leader in legroom among regular-cab trucks. The interior sports adjustable control pedals and optional heated leather seats; the doors are equipped with high-strength steel beams; side airbag curtains are an option.
The Ram's mechanicals are no less impressive. Gone is the solid front axle with multi-link; an all-new IFS - on both 2WD and 4WD trucks - delivers 8-1/2 inches of suspension travel; the framerails are hydroformed and 400 percent stronger in torsional stiffness and 150 percent stronger laterally, and a rack-and-pinion steering system replaces the recirculating ball design. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard, as are 17-inch wheels and tires. The 4.7L Magnum V-8 replaces the 5.2L engine and is more powerful for 2002, pumping out 245 hp. The 5.9L Magnum V-8 returns for 2002; all the engines can be backed with an optional limited-slip-equipped rear axle with available 3.92 gear ratio.
We don't know about you, but the redesigned '02 Ram has really peaked our off-road interests. We're working on getting a Ram for a full-on road test, and we'll report our impressions in an upcoming issue. Until then, here are a few images of the '02 Dodge Ram 1500.